DFW Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club to Hold AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Day on Sunday, Sept. 25

    FORT WORTH, TX, September 21, 2011 /24-7PressRelease/ -- The Dallas-Fort Worth Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club is hosting an AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Day on Sunday, Sept. 25, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 1707 Cheek Sparger, Colleyville, Texas, the home of local entrepreneur Ron Sturgeon. The event is free, open to the public and dog owners of all breeds. AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Day presentations will cover breed characteristics, safety topics such as microchipping and obedience training, grooming, wellness, and much more.

"The Club wants to thank Ron Sturgeon for all his support," said Janet Vellasenor, club president. "As well as for hosting our AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Day at his home."

Plenty of fun interactive events for owners and their dogs, vendor booths and a silent auction are planned, and practical information for everyone from new to experienced dog owners will be provided. DFW CKCSB has lined up experts and veterinary specialists for seminars and wellness screenings at a fraction of the usual cost, along with information about breed differences for people who are considering welcoming a new puppy into the family.

"We want to prepare people for dog ownership and educate them on how to be responsible, which includes the importance of proactive wellness," Vellasenor said. "Being proactive in your pet's health and identifying concerns early can not only prolong the life of your pet but improve their quality of life."

DFW CKCSB is providing veterinary specialists who will conduct screenings for potentially life-threatening problems at about a third of the cost of regular office visits. Appointments with vet specialists can be booked and paid for on the DFW CKCSB website at www.dfwckcsc.com/id53.html to guarantee a slot.

Payments can be made through PayPal or by mailing a check, payable to the DFW CKCSC, to Lesa Colson, 2637 Mariposa Circle, Plano, Texas, 75075. Checks should be received prior to Sept. 21. to guarantee an appointment. Walk ups are welcome, depending on time and availability. Members of the DFW Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club receive a 10 percent discount. To join, visit the club's website.

All-day health clinics include OFA Heart Clinic ($40) with Dr. Sonya G Gordon, DVM, DVSc, DACVIM, a board-certified veterinary cardiologist and assistant professor of cardiology at Texas A&M University; CERF Clinic ($40) with Dr. Annajane Marlar, DVM, Diplomate ACVO, a board certified veterinary opthamologist who practices at the Fort Worth Zoo; a Patella Clinic ($15) and Microchip Clinic ($10) with Dr. Matt Morrison, DVM, a partner with Riverchase Animal Hospital.

Seminars begin at 10:30 a.m. to 11 with "Smile: Show Me Your Pearly Whites," with dental veterinarian Dr. Sunny Ruth. Find out why dental health is important to your dogs overall health, signs and symptoms of tooth and gum disease, and how to put a stop to dreaded doggie breath.

From 11 to 11:30, Chuck Wilson will talk about "You Ate What: Understanding Dog Food Labels," including facts on how not all protein sources are created equal, ways to customize your pets' diets to better suit their nutritional needs and what a balanced dog food really means to your pet.

An Obedience/Rally Demonstration will take place from 11:30 to 12:30 p.m. with Mr. Jorge Ayala. Learn about basic obedience and beyond, what rally is all about and ways to further your relationship with your canine.

"Look at Me: Show Grooming" is slotted for 12:30 to 1 p.m. See ways to make your dog stand out in a crowd and groom to the breed standard with Ms. Rachel Carlson. Kathy Goodin-Mitchell will lead the club's tributes from 1 to 1:15, and games begin at 1:45 with a Lucky Star Cavalier Rescue parade.

Multiple prizes will be awarded to winners of contests that include Best Trick, Most Freckles, Smoochie Poochie, Fastest Biscuit Eater, Longest and Shortest Ears, Smallest and Largest Cavalier, Oldest and Youngest Cavalier, Best Dressed Cavalier and owner and Cavalier Look Alikes.

"Dogs enjoy the opportunity to socialize," Vellasenor said. "Some of our club members' dogs have gotten to know one another from other events and they like to get a chance to play.

Also taking place all day will be free photo sittings with aPerfectFOTO.com and free bows and bandanas by Kristy's Pampered Paws Mobile Pet Grooming.

Vendors include Juanita Walton, Lucky Star Rescue; professional photographer Julie Charlton; portrait artist Shelly Burden, photographers aPerfectFOTO.com, Charles and Kathy Ames, Invisible Fence of Texas; Cait Macanliss, Dogstar Academy, and custom dog trinkets, Kristy Remo and Shane of Kristy's Pampered Paws Mobile Pet Grooming; Barbara Arledge of Invisible Fence of Texas; and Paws Fur Treats with Mike and Sandy Pope.

Donations for the silent auction will be taken up to the day of the event. Currently, the list includes donations from Juanita Walton, Lucky Star Rescue, pads and more; portrait artist Shelly Burden, gift certificate for a 5-by-7 in. portrait; Cait Macanliss, Dogstar Academy, scarf with a felted Cavalier motif; anonymous donor, framed Cavalier print; Charles and Kathy Ames, Invisible Fence of Texas, 8-by-10 in. canvas gallery wrap; Kristy Remo, Kristy's Pampered Paws Mobile Pet Grooming gift certificate; 3 Dog Bakery treats; and DFW CKCSC, three assorted gift baskets.

Attendees are reminded to please be respectful of others and their surroundings. Leashes are highly encouraged. For information on becoming a vendor, donating items for the auction or hosting a seminar, contact Janet at [email protected].

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